From 2004-2008, there were 4,560 violent deaths among Oklahoma residents; of those, 457 (10%) were Native Americans.

Native American males were nearly 3 times more likely to be victims of violent deaths than Native American females.

Violent death rates among Native Americans were highest among persons 25-44 years of age.

Almost half of all violent deaths among Native Americans were suicide, 23% were homicide, and 26% were of undetermined manner.

The rates of homicide and undetermined manner of death were higher among Native Americans compared to non-Native Americans.

Native Americans 25-44 years of age were nearly twice as likely to be victims of homicides as non-Native Americans.

The rate of undetermined manner of death among Native American children aged 0-4 was more than twice the rate among non-Native Americans.

The overall suicide rate among Native Americans was slightly less than non-Native Americans; however, the suicide rate among Native Americans 10-24 years of age was 78% higher than non-Native Americans.

Firearms were the most common weapon used to kill in both suicides and homicides for both Native Americans and non-Native Americans.

Circumstances:

Arguments and intimate partner violence were the leading circumstances of homicide.

Current depressed mood, intimate partner problems, and mental health problems were the leading circumstances of suicide.

Strategies to prevent self-inflicted violence:

Learn the suicide warning signs. If you know a person at risk for suicide, refer them to help.
OK Suicide Helpline 1-800-273-TALK.

Health care professionals should be encouraged to screen patients for mental health illnesses (including substance abuse), and provide adequate treatment for these illnesses.

Restrict access to lethal means, such as firearms and drugs, from persons who have expressed intent to commit suicide.

Prescription drug use by persons expressing intent to commit suicide should be closely monitored by the doctor, pharmacist, and family members.

Strategies to prevent interpersonal violence include:

Programs that teach young people healthy relationship skills, such as Respect WORKS (a four-step approach to preventing dating violence) and Second Step (skills for social and academic success).